Soon after Tuesday’s trade deadline of 4PM, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that the Cleveland Browns took their stab at landing a franchise quarterback through free agency, but couldn’t get the deal done in time.

That quarterback? Bengals backup QB AJ McCarron.

Bengals and Browns tried, but failed, to complete trade for QB AJ McCarron before deadline, per sources. Deal was “close”; not finalized.

The Browns also missed their chance Monday on signing Patriots backup Jimmy Garopollo, whom the team was animate about signing during the offseason. According to Pro Football Talk, Cincinnati wanted a second round pick for their backup, the same price as the 49ers paid for Garopollo.

Browns coaches were allegedly extremely upset the front office didn’t make a run at the clearly available Patriots backup, and now find themselves back where they started after free agency, with DeSone Kizer, Kevin Hogan and Cody Kessler filling out the depth chart.